By Chloe Cramutola
While August spreads its last heat rays over beachgoers and vacationers, autumn ushers in the perfect weather to grab a backpack, hiking shoes, a few family members and friends to trek some of the best trails South Jersey has to offer.
The end of the summer can be a great time to sweat out the boardwalk funnel cakes and ice cream sundaes, and walking around local nature reserves, parks and lakes encourages such healthy behavior. With the fall season on the horizon, these parks and trails will invite rust-colored leaves and crisp, fresh air to brighten the gloom of the summer’s passing.
Check out this list for ideas to get outside, exercise and enjoy the weather.
Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve, EHT
The 220-acre EHT Nature Reserve is located near a residential community and offers three activities: A lake area, a wooded forest, and an environmental learning center. Trailgoers can relax by the lake, bike, hike and bird watch.
According to the AllTrails website, this trail has received 4.5 stars and is only 1.6 miles long. There is an elevation gain of 45 feet, and it takes about 30 minutes to walk around this loop. The nature reserve offers a natural surface trail along the lake, and there are multiple trail options: One along the shore, another higher up under a long line of trees and a third through the woods.
Note: Dogs are allowed on a leash. After rain, some sections may be muddy and boots are recommended for wet areas.
Cape May Point Trail, Cape May
This is an easy trail with 4.6 out of 5 stars, according to the AllTrails website, an app that helps users plan, share and experience outdoor activities. Cape May Point is a loop spanning 1.8 miles, and it takes about 31 minutes to complete in its entirety. It is a combination of the Duck and Plover trails.
There are four accessible parking spaces at the trailhead, and there are four van-accessible spaces with access aisles. The trail’s surface includes a wooden boardwalk with edge barriers, gravel or a natural surface like dirt or sand. According to AllTrail reviews, the boardwalks are well-maintained and allow for opportunities to observe the wildlife.
Note: Dogs are not allowed. This trail can be crowded, hot and buggy, especially in August. Make sure to take sunscreen, bug spray and lots of water to stay hydrated as you enjoy the view along the trail.
Birch Grove Park, Northfield
This trail is an easy loop that sits at 1.5 miles long, and it takes a little under 30 minutes to complete. This is a shaded walk with a natural surface of dirt, leaves, rocks and roots. It is bumpy and the average trail width is about 6 feet.
Birch Grove Park used to offer its grounds for camping, but as of 2019, this activity has been discontinued, according to the park’s website. AllTrails reviews say that the area is typically muddy in August, but sneakers are sufficient for hiking.
Note: Pets, swimming and boats are not permitted at the park. Anyone age 16 and older must have a valid license to fish.
Lakes Bay Preserve, Pleasantville
The 27-acre Lakes Bay Preserve is a haven for nature lovers, hikers and water sports enthusiasts, with options like windsurfing, board-sailing and kayaking available, according to its website. There is a mix of saltwater marshes, bayberry thickets and sandy beaches with mussels, clams and blue crabs. Other wildlife include seagulls, raccoons and foxes.
The New Jersey Conservation Foundation saved the property in 1998 and now operates it with the help of the Lakes Bay Recreation Association.
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Galloway
Not only does the refuge offer opportunities for hiking, but visitors can also fish, hunt and bird watch as they explore its five trails: Songbird Trail Loop, deCamp Wildlife Trail, Cedar Bonnet Island, Eno’s Pond Blue and Red Trail Loop, and Holgate Long Beach Island Bike Loop.
The 4.7-mile-long Songbird Trail Loop is moderately difficult, while the other four trails are easy. The deCamp trail is flat with a mostly gravel path through oak and pine woods. Cedar Bonnet Island takes about 30 minutes to complete, while Eno’s Pond Blue and Red Trail Loop only takes 20 minutes.
Enjoy nature!
While hiking may not be for everyone, simply getting outside and enjoying the last of the summer heat is something everyone can partake in. Even if the family doesn’t want to hike in 80-90 degree weather, visitors can wait until the fall when it is much cooler. Regardless of when trailgoers decide to take on a new location, these lakes and parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Chloe is a multimedia editor and journalism major at Boston University, where she is Editor at The Daily Free Press. She will be graduating Spring ’25. Connect with her on LinkedIn @chloecramutola
